Protection status of the wolf

Key points

The EESC:

• Stresses the importance of promoting coexistence between wolves, rural communities, and livestock farmers through balanced management, rather than relying on elimination.
• Highlights scientific evidence showing that widespread disposal of wolves is ineffective in reducing conflict unless done at unsustainable levels, which would violate EU conservation law.
• Advocates for the use of proven protective strategies, such as fencing, guard dogs, and herders, which help reduce predation while maintaining the species’ favourable conservation status.
• Recommends leveraging EU and national funding to support farmers in implementing effective protection measures, especially in high-risk areas or where significant damage has occurred.
• Proposes swift compensation not only for direct losses like animal deaths but also for indirect impacts such as scattered herds, miscarriages, and lost income.
• Stresses the importance of advising farmers on livestock protection, training public officials in damage assessment, and fostering peer-to-peer learning among livestock producers.
• Calls for a coordinated EU-level protocol for the selective removal of problematic wolves, to be used only under exceptional circumstances and in compliance with EU legislation.
• Recommends the creation of an EU-level dialogue bringing together institutions, Member States, farmers, scientists, NGOs, and local communities to share knowledge and discuss management practices.
• Notes the important role wolves play in controlling wild ungulate populations and restoring ecological balance, while underlining the uneven conservation status across regions.
• Urges Member States to enhance monitoring of wolf populations and behaviours, prevent hybridisation with dogs, and crack down on illegal killings through targeted enforcement and public awareness.